Before finding fame, Johnny Depp worked as a mechanic, construction worker, in sewers and as a T-shirt printer, which has made him more appreciative of his movie success

The 46-year-old actor, who plays outlaw John Dillinger in new movie 'Public Enemies', can see similarities between himself and his character because of the contrasting jobs he has done.

He said: "Taking from the rich? That's what I've been doing for 25 years.

"I mean, it's true. I started off printing T-shirts, I sold ink pens, I worked in construction, I worked at a gas station and pumped gas. I was a mechanic for a little bit. I went into sewers, I had a lot of somewhat unpleasant gigs for a time.

"Ever since, I suppose around 1986, I started to take from the rich."

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star also admitted he still feels fortunate to be offered new acting roles and worries the film industry is about to be hit by the recession.

He added: "It will definitely find its way into your world. I feel lucky to be getting work."

Johnny - who lives in France with partner Vanessa Paradis and their children, 10-year-old Lily-Rose and Jack, eight - also accepts that he is subject to public scrutiny because of his celebrity status.

He told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "The alternative is a real drag, if there's no attention, well the job goes away doesn't it?"